In Patrick O'Brian's "The Mauritius Command," Captain Aubrey's perspective on birds reflects a broader view of nature. He simplifies the avian world into two categories: those that can be eaten and those that cannot. This viewpoint illustrates a pragmatic approach to survival and utility in the natural world, emphasizing the basic instincts that govern life at sea and in battle.

This reductionist view can also symbolize the broader themes of the novel, such as the dichotomy of human experience and the struggle for dominance in both nature and society. Aubrey’s focus on functionality and sustenance is indicative of the challenges faced by sailors during their endeavors, where choices are often stripped down to their most essential elements.